JP2024004919A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of raising expectation of a player more than before.

SOLUTION: A game machine includes jackpot game control means for controlling execution of a jackpot game, and small winning game control means for controlling execution of a small winning game. Such a constitution is adopted that, when the small winning game is executed up to a prescribed ceiling number of times, the jackpot game is started, and when the small winning game is finished, a ceiling suggestive performance for suggesting the ceiling number of times is executed.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as slot machines.

Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine equipped with a so-called ceiling function that grants a profit to a player when the number of game executions reaches a specific value. In the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, it is described that the effect control device executes a ceiling suggestion effect that suggests information regarding the number of times the game has been executed at a predetermined timing. By executing such a ceiling suggestion effect, it is possible to suggest, for example, that the number of rotations remaining until the ceiling is 300 or less, or the approximate number of times the game has been executed at the current time.

JP 2021-132968 Publication

However, in the conventional gaming machine as described above, the number of games remaining up to the maximum number of games is only suggested at a predetermined timing, and it has not been possible to sufficiently raise the expectations of the players.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can raise the expectations of players more than ever before.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a rotating reel for displaying a plurality of symbols in a variable manner or a stopped display, a start switch for displaying the symbols on the rotating reel in a variable manner, and a switch corresponding to the rotating reel. a stop switch for stopping and displaying the corresponding symbols on the rotating reels; a winning lottery means for determining whether one of the plurality of winning combinations has been won or lost; a lottery table storing winning areas; a reel control means for controlling the stop display of the symbols on the rotating reels based on the lottery results of the winning lottery means and the operation of the stop switch; winning determination means for determining whether or not one of the plurality of winning combinations has won or not based on the stop position of the rotating reel when the rotating reel is stopped and displayed; and a jackpot game control that controls execution of the jackpot game. and a small winning game control means for controlling the execution of the small winning game, and is configured to start the jackpot game when the small winning game is executed up to a predetermined ceiling number of times, At the end of the small winning game, a ceiling suggestion performance that suggests the number of ceilings is executed.

The present invention is as described above, and is configured to start the jackpot game when the small win game is executed up to a predetermined ceiling number of times, and includes a ceiling suggestion that indicates the number of ceiling hits at the end of the small win game. Execute the performance. According to such a ceiling suggestion performance, it is suggested that the execution of the small winning game will bring the game closer to the jackpot game, so it is possible to increase the player's sense of expectation than before.

It is an external view of a slot machine. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a slot machine. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing active lines of a slot machine. It is an explanatory diagram showing the transition of the gaming state of the slot machine. It is a table showing a distribution table used in the distribution lottery after the end of the jackpot game. It is a table showing the distribution table used in the distribution lottery after the settings have been changed. It is a flow diagram explaining processing of a small winning game. It is a table showing an example of a ceiling suggestion effect. It is an example of the presentation content of an image display part, and is a figure showing (a) an image display part before a ceiling suggestion performance is performed, and (b) an image display part after a ceiling suggestion performance is performed.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described using a slot machine 10 as an example of a gaming machine.
(Slot machine 10)
As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 10 has a square box-shaped housing 11 and a front door 31 attached to the front side of the housing 11 so as to be openable and closable. A display window 12 facing toward the player is formed in the front door 31.

In addition, an operating section 31A for operating the slot machine 10 and a medal slot 14 are provided at approximately the center of the front door 31 in the height direction. The operation unit 31A is provided with a bet switch 16, a settlement switch 17, a start switch 30, a stop switch 50, and the like.

Further, below the operation unit 31A, a medal dispensing port 18 for dispensing medals and a lower tray 31C capable of storing medals dispensed from the medal dispensing port 18 are provided with the lower panel 31B in between. There is.

A symbol display window 13 is formed in the display window 12 of the front door 31 described above, through which the symbols of the rotating reels 40 behind can be seen. The rotating reel 40 is arranged on the back side of the symbol display window 13 and rotatably attached to the slot machine 10, and is used to display a plurality of symbols displayed on the outer peripheral surface in a variable manner or in a stopped manner. In this embodiment, three rotating reels 40, a left reel 41, a middle reel 42, and a right reel 43, are provided, and each rotating reel 40 can be rotated individually.

From the above-mentioned symbol display window 13, three tiers of symbols, upper, middle, and lower, are displayed for each of the three rotating reels 40, for a total of nine symbols. It is now displayed. An effective line is set by a combination of the display positions of these nine symbols in total. The valid line is a line that defines the sequence of symbol combinations that are valid for winning among the lines formed by connecting the symbols at the display positions on each of the three rotating reels 40 one by one. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a diagonal line L1 rising to the right, a line L2 connecting the upper rows, a line L3 connecting the middle rows, a line L4 connecting the lower rows, and a diagonal line L5 lowering to the right. It is set as a valid line. When a symbol combination associated with a winning combination is displayed along this active line, the winning combination is won.

Further, in this embodiment, the prescribed number of medals for playing one game is "3". Therefore, in order to play one game, it is necessary to bet (multiply) three medals.
Although not shown, the slot machine 10 has a built-in control device 20 (see FIG. 2) for controlling the overall operation of the slot machine 10.

(input stage)
As shown in FIG. 2, the input stage of the control device 20 is connected to an input switch 15, a bet switch 16, a settlement switch 17, a start switch 30, a left stop switch 51, a middle stop switch 52, and a right stop switch 53. ing. These input devices are connected to a main control board 21, which will be described later.
Note that what is connected to the input stage is not limited to each of the input devices described above, and another input device may be provided.

(Closing switch 15)
As shown in FIG. 1, the input switch 15 is a switch built in below the medal input slot 14, and is for detecting input game medals. When the input switch 15 detects game medals, up to 50 game medals can be stored (credited) inside the game machine. The game medals credited in this way are displayed as numerical values on the credit display section 32 and can be used in the next game and onwards.

(bet switch 16)
The bet switch 16 is a switch located on the top surface of the operating section 31A, as shown in FIG. By pressing the bet switch 16, credits can be replaced with medal insertion. By replacing credits with medals, the game can be started.

(Payment switch 17)
As shown in FIG. 1, the payment switch 17 is a switch located at the left end of the upper surface of the operating section 31A, and is used to refund credited medals.

(Start switch 30)
As shown in FIG. 1, the start switch 30 is a lever located on the front left side of the operating section 31A. When the start switch 30 is operated in a state where the game can be started, the reel unit 60 (described later) starts to be driven, and the symbols on the rotating reels 40 are displayed in a variable manner.

(stop switch 50)
The stop switch 50 is for stopping the driving of a reel unit 60, which will be described later. Specifically, the stop switch 50 includes three switches (a left stop switch 51, a middle stop switch) corresponding to each rotating reel 40 (left reel 41, middle reel 42, right reel 43), as shown in FIG. 52 and a right stop switch 53), one of which is arranged below each rotating reel 40. By operating a stop switch 50 corresponding to a rotating reel 40, the corresponding rotating reel 40 stops rotating, and the symbols on the rotating reel 40 are stopped and displayed.

(output stage)
As shown in FIG. 2, the output stage of the control device 20 is connected to the following parts: a reel unit 60, a hopper unit 65, and a production section 66 (image display section 67, lamp 68, speaker 69). The reel unit 60 and hopper unit 65 are connected to a main control board 21, which will be described later. Furthermore, the production section 66 is connected to a sub-control board 22, which will be described later.
Note that what is connected to the output stage is not limited to the above-mentioned output devices, and another output device may be provided.

(Reel unit 60)
Although not particularly shown, the reel unit 60 includes three stepping motors fixed or supported on a frame, and three rotating reels 40 (left reel 41, middle reel 42, right reel 43). Each rotating reel 40 includes a short cylindrical rotating drum and a tape-shaped reel tape attached around the rotating drum. Twenty symbols are displayed at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface of each reel tape.

(Hopper unit 65)
As shown in FIG. 1, the hopper unit 65 is arranged inside the housing 11, and is for dispensing medals based on the results of the game and the like.

(Direction Department 66)
The production section 66 performs various productions such as notification of winnings and the like under the control of the control device 20. Specifically, the presentation section 66 includes an image display section 67, a lamp 68, and a speaker 69.

The image display section 67 is arranged behind a window section provided above the rotating reels 40, and is used to display winning notifications and other effects using an LED, a dot matrix, a liquid crystal screen, etc. Note that the image display section 67 is not limited to the above-mentioned one, and for example, a rotating reel 40 exclusively for effects may be provided, and effects may be displayed using symbols, characters, etc. on the reels.
The lamp 68 is for notifying winnings etc. by lighting or blinking the light emitting body.
The speaker 69 is for notifying winnings etc. by generating winning sounds.

(Control device 20)
The control device 20 is for controlling the operation of the slot machine 10. This control device 20 includes a main control board 21 and a sub-control board 22, as shown in FIG. The main control board 21 and the sub-control board 22 are each configured with a CPU as its center, and are equipped with a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The CPU is configured to execute various controls by reading programs stored in the ROM.

Note that the main control board 21 is designed to control the progress of the game, such as lottery and payout related to balls. This main control board 21, as shown in FIG. It functions as a game control means 230, a small winning game control means 235, a game section control means 240, and a ceiling number control means 250. Note that the main control board 21 is not limited to the above-mentioned means, and may include other means.

Further, the sub-control board 22 is designed to control the performance based on the progress state of the game determined by the main control board 21. This sub-control board 22 controls the performance according to the progress of the game based on the information unilaterally transmitted from the main control board 21, and controls the drawing of winning combinations and reels executed by the main control board 21. It is not involved in stop control, etc. As shown in FIG. 2, this sub-control board 22 functions as each means of a production control means 300 and a production table 310. Note that the sub-control board 22 is not limited to the above-mentioned means, and may include other means.

(Game state control means 100)
The gaming state control means 100 is for managing the gaming state. The slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment has a plurality of gaming states, and the gaming state control means 100 stores the current gaming state and changes the gaming state when a predetermined event that triggers the transition of the gaming state occurs. Execute the process of switching.

As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment has at least the following gaming states. Note that the game state is not limited to the following, and any game state can be provided.
(1) Normal state (2) Sign state (3) Small win game (4) Chance zone (5) Jackpot game (6) Reset state

Among these, the normal state is an initial state set at the time of factory shipment or when changing settings. This normal state is a gaming state in which the payout rate is set lower than in other gaming states, which is disadvantageous for the player. The normal state according to this embodiment includes a plurality of modes (low accuracy mode, high accuracy mode, and super high accuracy mode), and the low accuracy mode, high accuracy mode, and ultra high accuracy mode are arranged in the order of mode. Specifically, the settings are such that the probability of transitioning to the precursor state increases in the order of low probability mode, high probability mode, and super high probability mode. In this embodiment, the system is configured such that the player can shift to a more advantageous mode upon winning a rare winning combination set as a mode transition winning combination. Furthermore, the system is configured such that the player can transition to the precursor state upon winning a rare combination set as a symbol for transition to the precursor state.

The precursor state is a state in the middle of transitioning to a small win state or a jackpot state, and is a gaming state that gives the player a sense of expectation for a jackpot. In this premonitory state, a battle effect may be executed to increase the player's interest. When a predetermined condition is achieved in this premonitory state (in this embodiment, when the player wins a pseudo-bonus drawing triggered by winning a predetermined winning combination), the game shifts to a small winning game. On the other hand, in this precursor state, when the end condition of the precursor state is achieved (for example, when a predetermined number of games are played, when a winning combination is won, etc.), the state shifts to the normal state.

The small win game is a so-called pseudo-bonus, and is a game state in which the player is allowed to acquire a predetermined number of medals (approximately 50 medals in this embodiment) by executing a press order notification to be described later. While this small winning game is being executed, an AT lottery (described later) is executed for each game, and if the player wins the AT lottery, the game shifts to the jackpot game. Moreover, this small winning game ends when a predetermined profit is given to the player. After the small winning game ends, if the ceiling number of times described later has been reached, the game shifts to the jackpot game. Also, if you have not reached the ceiling number of times, you will move to the chance zone.

The chance zone is a gaming state where expectations for a jackpot game are high. In this chance zone, the probability of winning the AT lottery is set to be higher than at least the normal state, the precursor state, and the small winning game. In the chance zone according to this embodiment, the probability of winning the AT lottery is set to about 40%. In this chance zone, an AT lottery is executed for each game, and if the AT lottery is won, the game shifts to a jackpot game. If the specified number of games in the chance zone (for example, 10 games) is played without winning the AT lottery, the state shifts to the normal state.

The jackpot game is the most advantageous game state for the player, in which the payout rate is set higher than in other game states. This jackpot game is a so-called AT (assist time) game, and a predetermined profit can be given to the player by executing press order notification, which will be described later. When a predetermined profit is given to the player, the jackpot game is ended, and it is checked whether or not a reset condition, which will be described later, is satisfied. If the reset conditions are met, the state transitions to the reset state. If the reset conditions are not met, the state returns to normal.

The reset state is a gaming state in which the player is waiting to return to the jackpot game. When a predetermined condition is achieved in this reset state, it is possible to shift to the jackpot game again. This reset state is classified into either a pullback preparation state or a pullback zone depending on whether it is a non-advantageous section or an advantageous section, which will be described later. That is, in the reset state, if it is a non-advantageous section, it becomes a pullback preparation state, and if it is an advantageous section, it becomes a pullback zone.

As will be described in detail later, when transitioning from the jackpot game to this reset state, the advantageous section is reset (ended), so the game section becomes a non-advantageous section. For this reason, the device is always in the pullback preparation state at first. Thereafter, at the same time as the game section shifts to the advantageous section, the pull-back preparation state shifts to the pull-back zone. In the pullback zone, an AT lottery is executed for each game, and if the AT lottery is won, the game shifts to a jackpot game. Note that since the AT lottery is not executed in the pullback preparation state, there is no direct transition to the jackpot game from the pullback preparation state.

Note that the above-mentioned pullback zone is a gaming state in which the winning probability of the jackpot game (the winning probability of the AT lottery) is improved. For example, after the end of a jackpot game, the probability of winning a jackpot game is set higher than the gaming state (normal state) to which the reset condition is not satisfied. Also, compared to all other gaming states, the winning probability of the jackpot game is set to be the highest. In this embodiment, the winning probability of the jackpot game in the pull-back zone is 50%, and is set so that the probability of winning the jackpot game is 1/2 or more. Therefore, the pullback zone is in a gaming state in which the start of a jackpot game can be expected (a gaming state in which the player's sense of anticipation can be heightened).

(Winning lottery means 110)
The winning lottery means 110 is for performing a lottery to determine whether the player wins or loses one of a plurality of winning combinations. In other words, a drawing concerning a winning combination is performed based on a predetermined drawing probability. As a result of the drawing by the winning lottery means 110, if a predetermined winning combination is won, a winning flag is established, and while this winning flag is established, the combination of the symbols stopped on the rotating reel 40 is a predetermined winning symbol. It is set up so that a prize is won on the condition that there is a match, and the player is given benefits such as payouts of medals and special games.

Specifically, the winning lottery means 110 includes a random number generating means that generates random numbers within a predetermined range, extracts the random numbers generated by the random number generating means at the timing of operating the start switch 30, and uses the extracted random numbers as a prize. The lottery is performed by checking against the lottery table 120. The winning lottery means 110 according to the present embodiment generates 16-bit random numbers, and thus generates 65536 random numbers from 0 to 65535. In a winning combination table 120, which will be described later, a winning area is assigned to each of these 65536 random numbers, and by comparing the random numbers with this winning combination table 120, a winning combination or a loss can be specified.

The slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment has a bonus role that starts a bonus game upon winning, a replay role that allows you to play the game again without inserting new game medals upon winning, and a replay role that allows you to play the game again without inserting new game medals upon winning. It is equipped with a small role that pays out game medals.

(Roll lottery table 120)
The winning combination table 120 defines which winning combination or loss the random number extracted by the winning selection means 110 corresponds to. This winning combination table 120 stores winning areas corresponding to a plurality of winning combinations, and is specifically provided as a correspondence table between random numbers generated in the winning lottery means 110 and winning combinations. The winning lottery means 110 switches and uses these winning lottery tables 120 according to the game status, setting values, and the like. As a result, the winning probability varies depending on the gaming state.

(Reel control means 130)
The reel control means 130 rotates the rotary reel 40 based on a valid operation signal of the start switch 30, and draws a winning lottery while recognizing the current position of the symbol based on a detection signal from a reel rotation detection sensor (not shown). This is for controlling the stop of the rotating reels 40 based on the lottery result of the means 110 and the valid operation timing of the stop switch 50.

This reel control means 130 responds to the operation signal of the start switch 30 when predetermined game start conditions are satisfied, such as when medals are bet and a predetermined time (so-called wait time) has elapsed since the start of the previous game. Based on this, rotation of all rotating reels 40 is started.

Further, when any stop switch 50 is operated while the rotating reel 40 is rotating, a stop signal is output based on the operating signal of the stop switch 50, and the rotation of the rotating reel 40 corresponding to the operated stop switch 50 is stopped. make it stop.

In addition, when stopping the rotating reel 40, the reel control means 130 can move the symbols in the rotational direction by a maximum of 4 frames with a maximum of 4 frames based on the symbol display position when the stop operation is performed, and then stop the rotating reels 40. With such control, when the lottery result of the winning lottery means 110 is a "lose", kick-off control is performed so that the symbols on the three rotating reels 40 do not align in any winning manner. In addition, when the lottery result does not match a predetermined winning combination, pull-in control is performed so that the symbols on the three rotating reels 40 are as close to the winning pattern as possible according to the winning combination.

Such kick-off control and pull-in control are calculated and executed based on the result of the winning lottery by the winning lottery means 110, the operation timing of the stop switch 50, the priority order of the stop position, etc. For example, when winning two or more types of roles at the same time, pull-in control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to the higher-priority role can be displayed on the active line according to the priority order associated with each role. .

In addition, in the case of winning a press order minor combination described later, if each stop switch 50 is operated in the correct press order, the symbols related to the press order minor combination will be displayed regardless of the timing of the stop operation. Draw it onto the active line and win the small combination in the push order. On the other hand, if each stop switch 50 is operated in a pressing order other than the correct pressing order, the symbols related to the pressing order minor combination will not be aligned on the active line, and the pressing order minor combination will not win. Control as follows.

(Winner determination means 140)
The prize determining means 140 is for determining whether a prize has been won or not based on the display mode when the three rotating reels 40 are stopped by operating the stop switch 50. Specifically, when all the rotating reels 40 stop rotating, it is determined that a winning combination corresponding to the symbol arrangement has been won, provided that a predetermined symbol arrangement is aligned on any valid winning line. do. If the winning is accompanied by a medal payout, a payout winning signal is output to the hopper unit 65 (or the medals are added to the credits instead of being paid out). Further, if the winning is to cause a change in the game state, the game state control means 100 is notified and the game state is changed. Furthermore, when the replay combination wins, automatic bet processing is performed so that the next game can be started without newly inserting game medals.

(Hopper control means 150)
The hopper control means 150 operates the hopper unit 65 based on the payout winning signal from the winning determining means 140, the operation signal of the settlement switch 17, etc., and controls the payout of medals. In addition, when winning is accompanied by a medal payout, the payout medals may be automatically stored electronically as credits, and only the payout amount exceeding the allowable number of credits may be paid out from the hopper unit 65.

(Setting means 220)
The setting means 220 is for setting a set value from among a plurality of set values having different degrees of advantage to the player. This set value can be changed by operating a switch provided inside the locked housing 11, and can be changed by the manager of the hall in which the slot machine 10 is installed before the opening of the hall or after the opening of the hall. It will be set in advance after completion. Although not shown, a different combination drawing table 120 is provided for each setting value, and by using the combination drawing table 120 according to the setting value in the combination drawing, the payout rate of medals changes according to the setting value. It has become. In this embodiment, the set value is comprised of six levels from 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest payout rate, and decreasing values in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1, the lower the payout rate. In terms of payout rate, when 6 is set as the setting value, the player has the highest gaming advantage, and as the value decreases in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1, the gaming advantage increases. becomes lower. Note that in this embodiment, the set value is set to six levels, but the set value is not limited to this, and may be set to five levels or less.

(Jackpot game control means 230)
The jackpot game control means 230 is for controlling the execution of jackpot games. The jackpot game according to the present embodiment is a game in which an instruction function is activated to display an operation mode advantageous to the player by activating a press order notification to be described later. It is a game called ``time''.

This jackpot game control means 230 executes an AT lottery in a game during an advantageous section to be described later, and executes control to start a jackpot game when the AT lottery is won.

The AT lottery by the jackpot game control means 230 is performed, for example, by extracting random numbers generated by the random number generating means at the timing of operating the start switch 30, and comparing the extracted random numbers with the AT lottery table. In the AT lottery table, every random number that can be extracted is assigned a "win" or "lose" value, so by comparing the random numbers with the AT lottery table, it is possible to identify "win" or "lose". can.

Note that the jackpot game may be started under other conditions than those described above. For example, a jackpot game may be started when a specific winning combination is won or a prize is won. Further, the AT lottery may be executed when a specific winning combination is won or a prize is won. Furthermore, when the game shifts to the advantageous section under predetermined conditions, a jackpot game may be started at the same time as the transition to the advantageous section.

The jackpot game started in this way continues until a predetermined profit is given to the player. For example, this jackpot game is executed until a predetermined number of AT games are played. The number of AT games may be determined by lottery at the start of the jackpot game. Further, during the execution of the jackpot game, an additional lottery may be performed to increase the number of AT games.

Note that even before the number of AT games described above is exhausted, if the limiter of the advantageous section described later is reached, the jackpot game ends at the same time as the advantageous section ends. At this time, if the jackpot game ends abruptly, the player may feel uncomfortable, so the player may be informed that the jackpot game is about to end. For example, when the limiter of the advantageous section is set to the number of difference sheets of 2400 sheets, when the actual number of difference sheets becomes a number close to this (for example, 2000 sheets), the end effect of the jackpot game may be executed. By executing such an end effect, the player can predict that the end of the jackpot game is near, and therefore it is difficult to give the impression that the jackpot game has ended abruptly.

By the way, the above-mentioned difference number is the number obtained by subtracting the number of medals bet from the number of medals acquired. For example, if you bet 3 medals and the payout is "1", the difference in number of medals will be "-2". Further, when 3 medals are bet and the payout is "10", the difference in the number of medals is "7". The fact that the limiter for the advantageous section has a difference of 2400 sheets means that the advantageous section ends when the total number of difference sheets in the advantageous section reaches 2400 sheets.

When the jackpot game ends, it is checked whether predetermined reset conditions are met. If the reset conditions are met, the state shifts to the reset state. On the other hand, if the reset conditions are not met, the transition is not made to the reset state but to the normal state.

In this embodiment, MY in the advantageous section being executed is used as the reset condition. MY is the difference between the time when the difference number of sheets decreases the most and the time when it increases the most in the advantageous section. For example, if the difference in number of sheets decreases the most in the 10th game of an advantageous section and becomes "-100 sheets", and the difference in number of sheets increases the most at the end of the jackpot game and reaches "1000 sheets", MY will be calculated based on these differences. It becomes "1100 pieces". In this embodiment, if MY is 1000 or more sheets, it is determined that the reset condition is satisfied.

In addition, in this embodiment, even when the limiter of the advantageous section is reached and the jackpot game ends, the reset condition is satisfied. Therefore, when the limiter of the advantageous section is reached and the jackpot game ends, the system shifts to a reset state.

(Small winning game control means 235)
The small winning game control means 235 is for controlling the execution of the small winning game. The small winning game according to the present embodiment is a game in which an instruction function is activated to display an operation mode advantageous to the player by activating a press order notification to be described later, and is a so-called pseudo bonus.

This small winning game control means 235 executes control to start a small winning game when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In this embodiment, a pseudo-bonus drawing is performed when a predetermined winning combination is won, and a small winning game is started when the pseudo-bonus drawing is won.

The small win game gives the player a smaller profit than the above-mentioned jackpot game, and ends when the predetermined profit is given to the player. In this embodiment, the small winning game is configured to award approximately 50 medals to the player. As already explained, the AT lottery is being executed during the small winning game, and if the AT lottery is won, the small winning game is ended and the big winning game is started.

When the small winning game ends without winning the AT lottery, it is checked whether the ceiling number of small winning games has been reached. When the ceiling number of times has been reached, the game shifts to a jackpot game. On the other hand, if the ceiling number of times has not been reached, the game does not transition to a jackpot game, but transitions to a normal state.

Note that the ceiling number of small winning games is the number of times a small winning game can be executed to obtain the right to play a jackpot game. In this embodiment, the jackpot game is always started when the small win game has been executed up to a predetermined maximum number of times. The initial value of the ceiling number is determined by lottery by a ceiling number control means 250, which will be described later.

(Game section control means 240)
The game section control means 240 is for controlling the game section. The slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment has a non-advantageous section in which the instruction function that displays an operation mode advantageous to the player cannot be used as a game section, and an instruction function that displays an operation mode advantageous to the player can be used. It has an advantageous section.

In the non-advantageous section, it is not possible to notify the push order, which will be described later, and therefore it is not possible to assist in winning the winning combination. In this non-advantageous section, the above-mentioned jackpot game and small win game cannot be executed.

On the other hand, in the advantageous section, it is possible to notify the push order, which will be described later, and it is possible to assist in winning the winning combination. In this advantageous section, the above-mentioned jackpot game and small win game can be executed. In other words, during a jackpot game or a small win game, it is always an advantageous section.

This game section control means 240 executes an advantageous section lottery during a game in a non-advantageous section (for example, at the start of the game), and executes control to shift the game section to an advantageous section when winning the advantageous section lottery. The advantageous section lottery by the game section control means 240 is performed, for example, by extracting random numbers generated by the random number generating means at the timing of operating the start switch 30, and comparing the extracted random numbers with the advantageous section lottery table. In the advantageous section drawing table, each random number that can be extracted is assigned a "win" or "loss", so by comparing the random numbers with the advantageous section drawing table, you can identify whether it is a "win" or "loss". be able to.

In this embodiment, the advantageous section lottery is executed when a predetermined winning combination (rare combination) is won. However, the mode of shifting to the advantageous section is not limited to this. For example, when a predetermined winning combination (rare combination) is won, the game may move to an advantageous section without executing the advantageous section lottery.

This advantageous section can be executed until a predetermined upper limiter is reached. For example, the game continues until a predetermined number of advantageous period games (for example, 4000 games) are played or a predetermined differential number of coins (for example, 2400 coins) is exceeded. When the limiter is reached, the advantageous section ends and the vehicle moves to the non-advantageous section.

Note that the difference in the number of medals related to the limiter described above is the difference in the number of medals in the currently running advantageous section (the cumulative total of the number of medals obtained by subtracting the number of medals bet from the time of disclosure of the advantageous section). In other words, it is the cumulative total of the difference in the number of sheets up to now when the starting point of the advantageous section is set to "0". When this difference in number of sheets exceeds 2400 sheets, the advantageous section ends.

(Ceiling frequency control means 250)
The ceiling number control means 250 is for controlling the ceiling number of small winning games. This ceiling number control means 250 executes a sorting lottery for determining the initial value of the ceiling number at the timing when the setting value is changed and at the timing when the jackpot game ends. As a result, the initial value of the ceiling number of small winning games is determined to be one of 1 to 8. The initial value of the ceiling number determined in this way will not be reset until the set value is changed or a jackpot game is started.

Further, the ceiling number control means 250 performs a process of subtracting "1" from the ceiling number of times each time a small winning game is completed. Then, when the ceiling number reaches "0", the jackpot game is started. Therefore, when a small winning game is started when the ceiling number of times is "1", a big winning game is started after the small winning game ends.

In addition, in the distribution lottery when the jackpot game ends, the distribution table shown in FIG. 5 is used. As shown in this distribution table, the ceiling number control means 250 executes the distribution lottery using lottery tables with different probabilities depending on the set values. In this example, the lottery probability is set such that the more advantageous the set value is to the player, the smaller the number of ceilings will be selected. Specifically, when the set value is "1", the average number of ceiling hits determined by the distribution lottery is "6.43 times". Further, when the set value is "2", the average number of ceilings determined by the distribution lottery is "5.95 times". Further, when the set value is "3", the average number of ceilings determined by the distribution lottery is "5.7 times". Further, when the set value is "4", the average number of ceilings determined by the distribution lottery is "5.35 times". Further, when the set value is "5", the average number of ceilings determined by the distribution lottery is "4.75 times". Further, when the set value is "6", the average number of ceilings determined by the sorting lottery is "4.15 times". Therefore, the more advantageous the set value is to the player, the easier it is to start a jackpot game.

Further, in the distribution lottery when the set value is changed, the distribution table shown in FIG. 6 is used. As shown in FIG. 6, when a setting value is changed, a common distribution table is used regardless of the setting value. In this embodiment, the distribution table used when the setting value is changed has an average ceiling number of "2.5 times", and the number of players is higher than the distribution table used when the jackpot game ends. is set to be advantageous for

Note that in this embodiment, the initial value of the number of ceilings is set to one of 1 to 8, but this is just an example, and the numerical value can be set freely. Further, the initial value of the ceiling number of times does not have to be a consecutive number. Further, the initial value of the number of selectable ceilings may vary depending on the set value. For example, when the setting is "1", one of 5 to 8 is selected, but when the setting is "6", one of 1 to 4 is selected. With this configuration, it becomes possible to estimate the set value from the initial value of the ceiling frequency.

(Production control means 300)
The presentation control means 300 is for controlling the operation of the presentation section 66 such as the image display section 67, the lamp 68, and the speaker 69. This performance control means 300 selects and executes a performance based on a signal related to the gaming state transmitted from the main control board 21. Specifically, the signal from the main control board 21 is compared with the data in the effect table 310 stored in the ROM, and effects such as prize winning notification and push order notification are performed.

The push order notification is a control that executes an effect that assists the player in winning a prize in an advantageous section. For example, the control includes displaying the order of operations on the image display section 67, notifying the stop switch 50 to be operated by voice from the speaker 69, and lighting the stop switch 50 to be operated. The performance control means 300 according to the present embodiment acquires the correct pressing order (operation order of the stop switch 50) for winning the pressing order minor winning combination, and obtains the correct pressing order (operation order of the stop switch 50) for winning the pressing order minor winning combination. Executes a performance to notify the pressing order.

Note that the press order minor combination is a minor combination or a replay combination that is controlled so that the winning symbols are aligned when the stop switch 50 is operated in a predetermined pressing order. If the push order is not reported, it is difficult to win a prize by aiming for the push order minor combination because it is not known which push order minor combination has been won, and the correct pressing order is also unknown. On the other hand, when the correct pressing order is notified, by operating the stop switch 50 according to the pressing order notification, it is possible to easily win the pressing order minor combination.

Further, this performance control means 300 can cause continuous performance to be performed over a plurality of games. By performing a continuous performance with a story under predetermined conditions, it is possible to suggest an advantageous situation to the player and make the game more exciting.

(About ceiling suggestion)
The performance control means 300 according to this embodiment is configured to execute a ceiling suggestion performance that suggests the number of ceilings at the end of the small winning game.
In this embodiment, one of the ceiling suggestion performances of "performance A", "performance B", "performance C", and "performance D" shown in FIG. 8 is executed at the end of the small winning game.
Among these, "performance A" is a performance that does not particularly suggest anything, and is a performance that is executed when no other performance is selected.

In addition, in "Production B", the result of the distribution lottery is not the maximum initial value of the number of ceilings (in this embodiment, "8"), and the remaining number of ceilings at the end of the small winning game is an odd number. This is a performance that is performed in certain cases. When this effect is executed, the player can understand that he can move on to the jackpot game by playing the small win game an odd number of times. Moreover, when this effect is executed, the player can know that the result of the allocation lottery was not the worst.

Moreover, "performance C" is a performance executed when the remaining ceiling number of times at the end of the small winning game is "3" or less. When this performance is executed, the player can understand that he can move on to the jackpot game by playing the small win game at most three times.

Moreover, "performance D" is a performance executed when the remaining ceiling number of times at the end of the small winning game is "1". When this performance is executed, the player can understand that if he plays one more small winning game (that is, after the next small winning game ends), he can move on to the big winning game. This "performance D" is the most advantageous performance for the player among the ceiling suggestion performances. In this embodiment, this "performance D" is continuously executed until the jackpot game starts. In this way, by continuously executing the most advantageous performance for the player among the ceiling suggestion performances until the start of the jackpot game, it is possible to increase the player's expectations.

In the present embodiment, which ceiling suggestion performance to perform from among the plurality of ceiling suggestion performances described above is determined by referring to the remaining ceiling number of times and the result of the distribution lottery. Specifically, with reference to the internal state of the gaming machine, it is checked whether the execution conditions are satisfied in the order of "performance D" → "performance C" → "performance B" → "performance A". That is, when the small winning game ends, first the execution condition of "performance D" (whether the remaining ceiling number is "1") is checked. If the execution conditions for "effect D" are met, "effect D" is selected. If the execution condition of "effect D" is not satisfied, the execution condition of "effect C" (whether the remaining ceiling number is "3" or less) is checked. If the execution conditions for "effect C" are met, "effect C" is selected. If the execution conditions for "performance C" are not met, the execution conditions for "performance B" (whether the result of the distribution lottery is not "8" and the remaining ceiling number is an odd number) are checked. If the execution conditions for "effect B" are met, "effect B" is selected. If the execution conditions for "effect B" are not satisfied, "effect A" is selected. In this way, by determining which ceiling suggestion performance will be executed based on the internal state of the gaming machine, the player who has viewed the ceiling suggestion performance can directly grasp the internal state of the gaming machine.

However, the method for determining which ceiling suggestion effect to perform is not limited to the above. For example, by referring to the remaining ceiling number of times and the result of the distribution lottery, it may be determined by a lottery which ceiling suggestion performance is to be performed from among the plurality of ceiling suggestion performances described above. Specifically, with reference to the internal state of the gaming machine, a ceiling suggestion effect to be executed may be determined by lottery from among ceiling suggestion effects that satisfy the execution conditions. For example, if the result of the distribution lottery is not "8" and the remaining ceiling number of times when the small winning game ends is "1", all execution conditions for ceiling suggestion effects are satisfied. In this case, which ceiling suggestion effect to perform may be determined by lottery (in other words, any ceiling suggestion effect may be executed). In this way, if the ceiling suggestion performance is determined by a lottery, the player who sees the ceiling suggestion performance cannot directly grasp the internal state of the gaming machine, so the player can enjoy the fun of guessing the internal state and It is possible to give the player the pleasure of anticipating the state.

As described above, the ceiling suggestion performance according to the present embodiment includes a performance that suggests the remaining number of executions of the small winning game required before starting the jackpot game. Thereby, it is possible to make the player expect a big win.

Further, the ceiling suggestion performance according to the present embodiment includes a performance that suggests the lottery result of the distribution lottery. Thereby, the result of the distribution lottery can be known indirectly. Furthermore, since the results of the lottery are biased depending on the set value, a ceiling suggestion effect creates a gameplay feature in which the set value is indirectly guessed.

Note that the specific content of the performance can be executed using the image display section 67, for example, as shown in FIG. That is, when an arbitrary effect screen is displayed on the image display section 67 as shown in FIG. 9(a), a ceiling suggestion is made so as to overlap the effect screen as shown in FIG. A presentation 350 may be displayed. In this example, the ceiling suggestion effect 350 is a bill-shaped image display displayed in one corner of the image display section 67. In this way, the ceiling suggestion performance 350 can be displayed independently of the performance according to the gaming state. Furthermore, even if the ceiling suggestion effect 350 is continuously executed (for example, when "effect D" is continuously executed until the jackpot game starts), the ceiling suggestion effect 350 can be executed without interfering with the normal effect. Can be executed.

Note that the patterns, characters, etc. displayed in the ceiling suggestion effect 350 are not particularly limited. For example, it may be possible to directly notify the ceiling number by displaying characters or numbers. Alternatively, it may be possible to directly notify the result of the sorting lottery by displaying characters, numbers, etc. Further, this information may be indirectly notified.

(About the processing flow of small winning games)
Next, in order to explain the execution of the above-described ceiling suggestion effect, the processing flow of the small winning game will be explained with reference to FIG. 7.
First, as shown in step S200 in FIG. 7, a small winning game starts. Then, the process advances to step S205.

In step S205, a small winning game is executed. At that time, an AT lottery is executed for each game, and it is checked whether the player has won the AT lottery. When winning the AT lottery, a jackpot game is started. If the AT lottery is not won, the process advances to step S210.

In step S210, it is checked whether the end condition of the small winning game has been achieved (for example, whether a specified number of games have been played or a specified number of medals have been paid out). If the termination condition is achieved, the process advances to step S215. If the termination condition has not been achieved, the process returns to step S205.
If the process advances to step S215, the small winning game ends. Then, the process advances to step S220.

In step S220, the ceiling frequency control means 250 performs a process of subtracting "1" from the ceiling frequency. For example, when the initial value of the ceiling number is determined to be "5" in the sorting lottery and the small winning game is completed for the first time, the ceiling number is subtracted by "1" and set to "4". Further, when the next small winning game is completed, the ceiling count is subtracted by "1" and set to "3". As a result of performing the process of subtracting "1" from the ceiling number of times in this manner, when the ceiling number of times becomes "0", it is determined that the ceiling number of times has been reached. If the ceiling number of times has been reached, a jackpot game is started. On the other hand, if the ceiling number of times has not been reached, the process advances to step S225.

In step S225, the effect is selected by the effect control means 300. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, when the remaining ceiling count is "1", "effect D" is selected. Moreover, when the remaining ceiling number is "3" or "2", "effect C" is selected. Further, if the remaining number of ceilings is "5" and the result of the previous allocation lottery is not "8", "effect B" is selected. In other cases, "effect A" is selected. Then, the process advances to step S230.
In step S230, the effect control means 300 executes the ceiling suggestion effect selected in step S225. Then move to the opportunity zone.

Note that in this embodiment, when "Production A", "Production B", and "Production C" are selected, the ceiling suggestion production in step S230 continues until the next game ends. That is, until the next game ends, a bill-like display as shown in the lower right corner of FIG. 9(b) is made. On the other hand, if "performance D" is selected, the ceiling suggestion performance in step S230 continues until the jackpot game is started. That is, until the jackpot game starts, a bill-like display as shown in the lower right corner of FIG. 9(b) is made.

(summary)
As explained above, according to the present embodiment, the jackpot game is started when the small win game is executed up to a predetermined ceiling number of times, and when the small win game ends, the ceiling number is reached. Execute a ceiling suggestion effect. According to such a ceiling suggestion performance, it is suggested that the execution of the small winning game will bring the game closer to the jackpot game, so it is possible to increase the player's sense of expectation than before.
Furthermore, since the system is configured to perform a sorting lottery for determining the initial value of the ceiling number, players can enjoy predicting the ceiling number of small winning games.

In addition, by using ceiling suggestion effects to suggest the remaining number of ceilings and the result of the distribution lottery, players can enjoy matching the predicted number of ceilings and increase their expectations for a jackpot game. You can hold it.

In addition, among the ceiling suggestion effects, "effect D", which is the most advantageous effect for the player, is executed continuously until the start of the jackpot game, so it is possible to maintain the player's sense of anticipation until the next jackpot game. Can be done.

Furthermore, the ceiling number control means 250 executes the distribution lottery using lottery tables with different probabilities depending on the set value, so it is possible to vary the jackpot probability according to the set value. Furthermore, by referring to the ceiling suggestion effect, the player can have fun predicting the set value from the distribution results.

10 Slot machine 11 Housing 12 Display window 13 Symbol display window 14 Medal slot 15 Insertion switch 16 Bet switch 17 Settlement switch 18 Medal payout port 20 Control device 21 Main control board 22 Sub control board 30 Start switch 31 Front door 31A Operation section 31B Lower panel 31C Lower tray 32 Credit display section 40 Rotating reel 41 Left reel 42 Middle reel 43 Right reel 50 Stop switch 51 Left stop switch 52 Middle stop switch 53 Right stop switch 60 Reel unit 65 Hopper unit 66 Production section 67 Image display section 68 Lamp 69 Speaker 100 Game state control means 110 Winning drawing means 120 Role drawing table 130 Reel control means 140 Prize determination means 150 Hopper control means 220 Setting means 230 Jackpot game control means 235 Small win game control means 240 Game section control means 250 Ceiling Number of times control means 300 Effect control means 310 Effect table 350 Ceiling suggestion effect

Claims (7)

A rotating reel for displaying multiple symbols in a variable or static manner;
a start switch for variably displaying the symbols on the rotating reels;
a stop switch provided corresponding to the rotating reel for stopping and displaying the symbol of the corresponding rotating reel;
A winning drawing means for drawing a drawing to determine whether one of the plurality of winning combinations has been won or lost;
a winning combination table storing winning areas corresponding to the plurality of winning combinations;
reel control means for controlling the stop display of the symbols on the rotating reels based on the drawing result of the winning drawing means and the operation of the stop switch;
winning determination means for determining whether or not one of the plurality of winning combinations has been won or not based on the stop position of the rotating reel when the rotating reel stops displaying a symbol;
A jackpot game control means for controlling execution of the jackpot game;
a small winning game control means for controlling execution of the small winning game;
Equipped with
The jackpot game is configured to start when the small win game has been executed up to a predetermined ceiling number of times,
At the end of the small winning game, executing a ceiling suggestion effect that suggests the number of ceilings;
Game machine. comprising ceiling number control means for executing a sorting lottery for determining the predetermined ceiling number;
The gaming machine according to claim 1. The ceiling number control means executes the distribution lottery at the end of the jackpot game,
The gaming machine according to claim 2. Equipped with a setting means for setting a set value from among a plurality of levels of set values having different degrees of advantage to the player,
The ceiling number control means executes the sorting lottery using lottery tables with different probabilities depending on the set value.
The gaming machine according to claim 2. The ceiling suggestion performance includes a performance that suggests the remaining number of executions of the small winning game required before starting the jackpot game.
The gaming machine according to claim 1. The ceiling suggestion performance includes a performance suggesting a lottery result of the distribution lottery.
The gaming machine according to claim 2. The most advantageous performance for the player among the ceiling suggestion performances is continuously executed until the jackpot game is started.
The gaming machine according to claim 1.

Images